AA First Class

[Maca44]

So I can either prepare or enjoy myself on my next trip I would like to know what I can expect from AA F class domestic and this is something Dave Noble and MN should have ample knowledge. In August I have flights from SFO-ORD-DTW, and DTW-ORD-SEA and then AS from SEA-SFO, all in F class. In previous trips all of my domestic flights throughout the USA have been with either UA or AS, and the rare CO. I proallocated seats on the D/E side of the a/c as my searches sugggest those seats on an MD80/83, of which all the AA flights are using for my flights, have slightly more leg room due to the WC being in front of the A/B side. I have life QP and flying F so not worried about lounge access and get that in F in any event, although I heard the AA lounges are nothing to write home about. I also have a question about on board power and my searches did not reveal any threads on this topic, for AA domestic flights.

So, what should I expect such as; is there priority security for F pax; what should I expect in the lounges at SFO and DTW (not ORD as I only have an hour in transit); and food/drinks on board. After reading the posts in this forum I am doing this trip as carry only, so luggage is not an issue.

On board power:
AA and FT indicate that AA has the cigarette lighter power adaptor on AA. I have an Asus EEEPC 900/xp and the sticker on the back says: Input/: +12V-3A,36W. What connections do others use for power on AA, and does anyone know if I need some form of adaptor etc for my PC.

 

[Mal]

Not sure if you have lounge access before your your Alaskan flight (AA Codeshare on SEA-SFO). Also watch Qantas earning if you want to credit there as I believe AA Codeshares on Alaskan don't earn points.

AA F Meals tend to have a lot of cheese and fat - unless you're on a no meal flight (only a few short flights). Think various forms of pasta with cheese.

Food is ok. Nothing special though. The drinks are basic, but refilled enough.

Can't comment on power. Your seat selections sound ok.

The AA lounges are basic but nice. Most have a computer area, a bar and perhaps somewhere where some basic food (eg bagles) is free. Otherwise, you can order (reasonable) food from the bar at fairly exy prices.

Remember to collect your 1-2 drink vouchers when you enter the AA club. At times the entry staff don't know the rules, so make sure you ask. Some people tip, some people don't when they use the free vouchers, but I believe it's expected that you tip.

You are also able to get more vouchers when you run out by going back to the entry desk. In practice, this is hit & miss.

Some airports have priority security (normally a special lane for F pax or 'elite' cardholders). Might be worth asking when you check in, or looking closely when you are about to go through security.

Havn't been to DTW or ORD, SEA's AA club was just about to open the last time I was there, so can't comment on that lounge either. But the AA clubs are fairly similar in the network.

 

[Danger]

In my opinion AA dom F is not as good as QF dom J. The service from the attendants is fine (I've flown seven dom F sectors with AA in the past few months) but the food, as mentioned, is nothing to write home about. I had an overnight SFO to DFW flight. Some warmed nuts were served once we got to altitude and the attendant was more than happy to keep giving me (free) Baileys and milk.

Not important in the OP's situation but I don't believe dom F with AA gets you access to the Admirals Club.

As posted many times the Admirals Clubs aren't anything like the QPs. The SFO club is quite tiny and, unless your a fan of Pretzels and the odd apple, there's no free food.

I've had very good experience with the drink 'chits' (vouchers) as they are/were referred to. They stamp them identifying the particular club they're issued in and the date of issue because they say they're only to be used in that club on that day. However, I've hoarded my unused vouchers and have never had a problem handing old ones in; the bartenders don't seem to check.

I'm also not sure about priority security. I certainly didn't use any fast lane but that's not to say they aren't available.

 

[tuapekastar]

On board power:
AA and FT indicate that AA has the cigarette lighter power adaptor on AA. I have an Asus EEEPC 900/xp and the sticker on the back says: Input/: +12V-3A,36W. What connections do others use for power on AA, and does anyone know if I need some form of adaptor etc for my PC.

This area of seatguru.com may assist with power questions.

 

[NM]

On MD80 aircraft, I have never noticed that there is any difference in seat pitch between AB and EF sides of the aircraft, but it is reported by sites like Seat Guru etc. The other difference I am aware of is that the overhead lockers are deeper on the EF side of the aircraft.

Meals tend to have little variation. On my 3 lunch-time domestic F flights this trip the choice has always been "Turkey and Cheese Wrap" or "Barbecue Chicken Salad". I have eaten both and they are both ok.

Breakfasts are always a choice of cereal or omelette. I am not sure what the current dinner options are.

You will generally be offered water or juice before take-off. Then drinks service after take-off with warmed nuts.

F passengers are always invited to board first and most do (except the ones waiting to see if their upgrade request has cleared).

There is no IFE in the MD80 aircraft. There are TV monitors in 757 and 737 aircraft.

By far the best aircraft type for domestic F is the 763, which is international business class seating.

 

[Maca44]

Thanks for your replies.
Mal "Not sure if you have lounge access before your your Alaskan flight (AA Codeshare on SEA-SFO). Also watch Qantas earning if you want to credit there as I believe AA Codeshares on Alaskan don't earn points". Is this correct, even though I am a life QP and travelling F on a flight with an AA number. Also, I could not find any AA lounge at Seattle.

tuapekastar.. I read the info on seatguru before posting as the Kensington, Targus and Go adapters mainly relate to Dell pc's and there was nothing there concerning the recently released Asus eeepc 900/xp. I will keep looking.

NM..I have a small 120gb usb drive and I will have have many many movies on it to chose from, but the battery life on the eeepc is very short and only about 3 hrs with normal work, so less watching a movie which is why I need power. If I can't find anything that will work I will just settle back with my ipod.

 

[NM]

NM..I have a small 120gb usb drive and I will have have many many movies on it to chose from, but the battery life on the eeepc is very short and only about 3 hrs with normal work, so less watching a movie which is why I need power. If I can't find anything that will work I will just settle back with my ipod.

AA aircraft have 15V DC power in most F cabins. So you need the right type of power supply to operate your PC. There is no AC power available on AA aircraft.

 

[Mal]

Thanks for your replies.
Mal "Not sure if you have lounge access before your your Alaskan flight (AA Codeshare on SEA-SFO). Also watch Qantas earning if you want to credit there as I believe AA Codeshares on Alaskan don't earn points". Is this correct, even though I am a life QP and travelling F on a flight with an AA number. Also, I could not find any AA lounge at Seattle.

AA lounge was there for a while, but seems to have closed in late 2005. I thought they re-opened it, but obviously they didn't. There is an AS lounge there, which will allow F or A class pax into it, but as there is the codeshare, they may not let you in. Worth a try though.

The Qantas club access (according to the rules) is only available at Admiral's Clubs where the flight is both marketed and operated by AA - unless a QF codeshare is involved. AA don't allow F pax into their lounge (without some other form of access), unless you have a same day international journey or travelling TransCon in certain fare classes

Regarding points earning, I've checked the Qantas earning table, and AA is not an airline where it matters who you fly with in regards to codeshares (Frequent Flyer - About the Program - Terms & Conditions) . Note the difference in the spiel under American Airlines vs for example Cathay Pacific. So SC/points earning should be fine.

 

[serfty]

Several Points:

• There is no A/C at SEA
• Flying F domestically (on your routing) on AA does not entitle you to A/C access.
• Your QP membership will entitle you to A/C access, use your QP card to do this - they should give you drink vouchers, if not ask for them. They'll give you one or two. You can go back and ask for more later if you desire.

 

[beardoc]

NM..I have a small 120gb usb drive and I will have have many many movies on it to chose from, but the battery life on the eeepc is very short and only about 3 hrs with normal work, so less watching a movie which is why I need power. If I can't find anything that will work I will just settle back with my ipod.

It's a pity that you bought the EEE PC 900 early - MSI is bringing out the MSI Wind, which is a marginally slightly larger notebook (10") with a hard drive, and whilst the first will be available in Australia on July 3rd, about a month later they will be bringing out the 6-cell battery version with a 5.5 hour battery life (as well as the ATOM processor and much bigger storage space)

 

[openseat]

By far the best aircraft type for domestic F is the 763, which is international business class seating.

I'd agree that the 763 flights are the best. I've had some ripper service in F on the ORD-LAX run and I always try to get the 763 service where possible.

 

[Febs]

I'd agree that the 763 flights are the best. I've had some ripper service in F on the ORD-LAX run and I always try to get the 763 service where possible.

I've found the service to be pretty much the same on any ~3hr AA flight in F, be it in the new business class seats or the old F seats.

The new seats are very nice though - scored one on a DFW-LAX flight back in Dec. Not quite as good as a skybed, but for a 3hr domestic trip, fantastic.

Cheers,
- Febs.